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Twenty-two years and counting Susan Hillier came up for five months, ended up staying and raising a familyJeanne Gagnon Northern News Services Published Monday, Oct 22, 2012
She is now the Grade 6 teacher at Quqshuun Ilihakvik in Gjoa Haven but has worn many hats throughout the years. She arrived in Kugluktuk in August 1991 to teach Grade 4 for five months. Then in January 1992, Hillier came to Gjoa Haven and has since taught grades 1 to 3, grades 4 to 6, then became a student support teacher and vice-principal. She became the co-principal for several years before teaching Grade 6. She said she spent about six years in each role. She is also in her 10th year as hamlet councillor. "I was coming for five months and this is year 22," said Hillier. "I like working as co-principal with a team member. There was another person and we shared the principal role. I like working in a team." Hillier was born and raised in Lawrencetown, near Halifax, and studied education in university. She goes back every summer and some Christmas holidays. The 43-year-old is married to Jacob Takkiruq and they have two children, aged 11 and 13. Hillier said she would like to eventually travel with her husband. Gjoa Haven is a wonderful community to live in, she said. "The community is a nice place to be. The people of Gjoa Haven are friendly and welcoming," said Hillier. "The people in Gjoa Haven work together. There is a real sense of community here and I'm proud to be part of that." She said she made some good friends throughout the years, and she wants the students to know she's a person who cares. "I want the children to be the best they can be because they're fantastic children and I wish great things for them," she said. "I'm hoping I've helped them become the best person they can be."
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